About Us

Friday, 26 April 2013

The common book concept is an initiative
practised by international universities endorsed by faculty, libraries and
university communities. Students are encouraged to read a common book,
nominated by the university and then come together to discuss it. The purpose
is to bridge the gap between high school and tertiary education. Its objective
is to introduce first year students to critical thinking, by engaging them in
reading, writing essays and in the theoretical underpinnings of being scholars.
It is an international practice aimed at
bringing together students from different cultural backgrounds across all disciplines.
The following universities are among the many that involve undergraduate
students in the programme: Johns Hopkins University, University of Washington,
University of Kansas and University of California Los Angeles. “KU Common Book
will promote community and academic engagement through discussions of a common
reading experience among faculty, staff, and students” (University of Kansas
2013).

Program Goals

Students will have an opportunity
to:

Share and understand diverse perspectives in a
respectful way.

Build a community of intellectually-engaged
learners.

Explore their role in creating a just society.

Consider critical action steps that can be taken
in response to their Common Book experience (University of California Los
Angeles, 2013).

The big question is, can UKZN first
year orientation benefit from the programme?

South Africa is a multicultural society, the “rainbow nation” as it is known. South African students face many challenges when they come to university. Some of the challenges are inherent to the society in which they live. Some of these challenges emanate from the South African education system and unequal distribution of resources. According to studies that were done, South African students lag behind when compared to students from other African countries (van der Berg and Louw, 2007). UKZN has taken various initiatives in bridging the gap by introducing alternative programmes to address the problems of students who pass matric with less than the minimum credits required for university entrance. David Loertscher, (2008:42), describes the reading patterns of the Google generation as using “‘bouncing behaviours’, they scan across information…. may not read anything in depth”. Our students would benefit from the Common book programme, because it encourages collaborative learning and discussion among first year students regardless of discipline.

Group discussions

Students are placed in groups that
are led by mentors, and they have discussions and debates on the selected book during lecture
periods. This may also occur in informal settings such as in the library or cafeterias.
It is mandatory for all first year students to participate in common book
reading. In some instances parents also get involved, by reading the same book.
In some cases, (for example at Auburn University) students are encouraged to
enter common book writing contests. Essays are written from themes resulting
from the common book discussions. In South Africa, one can imagine the impact
this might have if university students read about topical issues affecting
young people such as rape, drugs and HIV. By participating in the program,
students will enhance the skills and abilities that are central to academic
learning. It also enables them to challenge other viewpoints and create an
understanding of the society in which they live.